I like figs, I admit it, I am a Fig Pig. But what's a girl to do it's a tropical Fruit, So I thought. The Mediterranean and the Middle East are the world top producers of "Figs".
The climate is the ideal temperature for that Fig tree. However, you can grow a "Fig Tree" in Canada, and even right here in Ontario.
A gentleman by the name of "Steven Biggs" and his 7 year old daughter, live in Willowdale, Ontario and have over 30 black pots, full of Fig trees. He states that the "fig plant is a very very forgiving plant" Now many of you may have tasted the dried fig fruit, but oh man, the taste of a fresh fig, is heaven. It is like the taste of a sweet jam.
You see Fig's actually prefer to go dormant over the colder months. Fig plants should be sheltered from the snow and the elements, such as extreme temperatures. Most who grow Figs in Canada, simply bring them indoors, to a cool dry place, that does not necessarily have to be, hot and warm, but not
There are several nurseries that sell potted Fig Plants, that will withstand our climate. You just have to transfer them into a larger black recycled plastic pots, about 36 centimetres in diameter. Then I sink the pots 5 centimetres into the ground. It is also suggested that it is vital to keep the pots well watered. A good indication that they are not getting enough water are the droopy leaves.
The Fig Plant does not take to kindly to coming indoors over the winter to a location that’s too warm. So do not store their pots, over the winter in a heated basement or a warm living room or greenhouse. They should be hauled into a dark, unheated shed. Ideally, you want the temperature to be between 7 C. and -3 C. Now if space is limited or just not available to store them indoors, there is another option that will work well too. Bury them. Dig a trench on one side of the pot, tip it sideways, shove the branches in the hole and cover with soil and a mulch of leaves.
Steven Biggs has written a book all about growing Fig's in Ontario and colder climates. It is called " Grow Figs Where You Think You Can’t" I encourage all you "Fig Pigs" out there to find a copy and give it a read.
Happy "Fig" Trails my friends
Image Source:
https://www.starkbros.com/products/fruit-trees/fig-trees
https://www.thestar.com/life/2012/07/27/yes_you_can_grow_figs_in_ontario_and_its_not_that_hard.html